Methods for enhancing utrophin production via inhibition of microrna

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a method for enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell by inhibiting an utrophin microRNA molecule. Moreover, the invention provides that methods for enhancing utrophin protein production in a muscle cell are used for treating a muscular dystrophy and/or other myopathies.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application61/071,408, filed Apr. 28, 2008, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods for enhancing utrophin proteinproduction and methods for treating myopathies. Specifically, theinvention relates to enhancing utrophin protein translation byinhibiting microRNAs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is one of a group of musculardystrophies characterized by the enlargement of muscles. DMD is one ofthe most prevalent types of muscular dystrophy and is characterized byrapid progression of muscle degeneration which occurs early in life. DMDis X-linked and affect mainly males—an estimated 1 in 3,500 boysworldwide.

The gene for DMD, found on the X chromosome, encodes a largeprotein—dystrophin. Dystrophin is required inside muscle cells forstructural support: it is thought to strengthen muscle cells byanchoring elements of the internal cytoskeleton to the surface membraneand external structures. Without it, the muscle cannot produce forceeffectively and is susceptible to damage during contraction, eventuallyleading to muscle death and replacement by fatty and fibrous tissue. Theaccompanying immune response can add to the damage.

A mouse model for DMD exists, and is proving useful for furthering ourunderstanding on both the normal function of dystrophin and thepathology of the disease. In particular, initial experiments thatenhance the production of utrophin, a dystrophin relative, in order tocompensate for the loss of dystrophin in the mouse are promising, andmay lead to the development of effective therapies for this devastatingdisease. Accordingly, a need exists for enhancing utrophin production inorder to treat muscular dystrophies and other myopathies.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, RNA molecules encoded in the genomes ofplants and animals. These highly conserved, ˜21-mer RNAs regulate theexpression of genes by binding to the 3′ or 5′-untranslated regions(3′-UTR or 5′-UTR) of specific mRNAs.

Although the first published description of an miRNA appeared ten yearsago, only in the last two to three years has the breadth and diversityof this class of small, regulatory RNAs been appreciated. A great dealof effort has gone into understanding how, when, and where miRNAs areproduced and function in cells, tissues, and organisms. Each miRNA isthought to regulate multiple genes, and since hundreds of miRNA genesare predicted to be present in higher eukaryotes the potentialregulatory circuitry afforded by miRNA is enormous.

MicroRNAs may act as key regulators of processes as diverse as earlydevelopment, cell proliferation and cell death, apoptosis and fatmetabolism, and cell differentiation. Recent studies of microRNAexpression implicate microRNAs in brain development chronic lymphocyticleukemia, colonic adenocarcinoma, Burkett's Lymphoma, and viralinfection suggesting possible links between miRNAs and viral disease,neurodevelopment, and cancer. miRNAs are differentially expressed inmyopathies and have been implicated in heart disease. Accordingly, aneed exists for determining the role of microRNAs in utrophin productionin order to treat myopathies or utrophin mediated diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for enhancingutrophin protein production in a cell, the method comprising the step ofinhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, thereby enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method fortreating a muscular dystrophy, in a subject, the method comprising thestep of administering to said subject a composition for inhibitingutrophin microRNA molecule, thereby treating said muscular dystrophy insaid subject. In an exemplary embodiment, said muscular dystrophy isDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forreducing the symptoms associated with a muscular dystrophy, in asubject, comprising the step of administering to said subject acomposition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, thereby reducingthe symptoms associated with said muscular dystrophy in said subject.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method fortreating a muscle disease in a subject, comprising the step ofadministering to said subject a composition for inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule, thereby treating said disease in said subject.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compositioncomprising an effective amount of an agent that inhibits utrophinmicroRNA molecule. In an exemplary embodiment, the agent comprises alet-7c antisense molecule, a miR-196b antisense molecule, a miR-133bantisense molecule, a miR-150 antisense molecule, a miR-206 antisensemolecule, or a miR-296-5p antisense molecule.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description examples and figures.It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and thespecific examples while indicating preferred embodiments of theinvention are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the utrophin UTR-luciferase constructs used in C2C12 cells(A); a bar graph showing the luciferase activity in the transfectedC2C12 cells (B); a gel showing mRNA expression in C2C12 of luciferaseand β-actin by RT-PCR (C); a graph showing ribosomal profiling ofutrophin-A mRNA in C2C12 cells by sucrose density gradient analysis (D).C2C12 cell extract was resolved on a sucrose density gradient, collectedinto eleven fractions, and the target mRNA level in each fraction wasdetermined (D).

FIG. 2 shows that C2C12 cells were transfected with luciferase reporterconstructs (A and B) and the mRNA levels and luciferase activity wereanalyzed (C). Also, C2C12 cell extract was resolved on a sucrose densitygradient, collected into eleven fractions, and the target mRNA level ineach fraction was determined by q-PCR analysis (D).

FIG. 3 shows that Utrophin 3′ UTR represses IRES. (A) is a schematicrepresentation of utrophin-A mRNA. 3 bicistronic constructs comprisingcontrol, utrophin IRES or utrophin IRES plus utrophin 3′ UTR. (B) A bargraph showing the ratio of expression from the two cistrons, under thecontrol of the 3 different constructs.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a decrease in light produced (due toluciferase) on addition of different microRNAs.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of utrophin 3′ UTR microRNA bindingsites.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing an increase in light produced (due toluciferase) on inhibition of certain microRNAs.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the IRES repression activity by microRNAmolecules that bind utrophin 3′ UTR on a reporter gene comprising theutrophin 3′ UTR.

FIG. 8 shows that Utrophin 3′ UTR represses IRES. 5 bicistronicconstructs comprising control, or utrophin-A or EMCV IRES with andwithout the utrophin 3′UTR. 2 bar graphs showing ratio of expression ofthe two cistrons for each construct.

FIG. 9 shows that Utrophin-A IRES requires eIF4A. 3 bicistronicconstructs comprising control, or utrophin-A IRES with and without theutrophin 3′UTR. (B) A bar graph showing ratio of expression of the twocistrons for each construct with and without the eIF4A inhibitorhippuristanol.

FIG. 10 shows that C2C12 cell extract was resolved on a sucrose densitygradient, collected into eleven fractions, and the target mRNA level ineach fraction was determined by q-PCR analysis and quantified as shownin the bar graphs for the constructs of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows that Utrophin 3′ UTR represses IRES. The 7 bicistronicconstructs comprising control, or utrophin-A or EMCV IRES with andwithout the utrophin 3′UTR(A). Bar graphs showing the ratio ofexpression from the two cistrons, under the control of the 7 differentconstruct (B and C).

FIG. 12 is a graph showing a decrease in light produced (due to utrophinUTR-luciferase constructs) (A) and firefly (due to utrophin UTR-fireflyconstructs) expression (C) on addition of different microRNAs. (B) Agraph showing an increase in light produced (due to luciferase) oninhibition of certain microRNAs.

FIG. 13 shows that Utrophin-A IRES requires eIF4A. 3 bicistronicconstructs comprising control, or utrophin-A IRES with and without theutrophin 3′ UTR. The bar graph shows the firefly/Renilla ratio in cellstransfected with plasmids comprising the constructs provided in FIG. 9with and without the eIF4A inhibitor hippuristanol.

FIG. 14 shows detection and relative quantification of microRNAs inC2C12 muscle cells by miRNA TaqMan assays.

FIG. 15 shows upregulation of 5′ Luc3′ construct on treatment of miR-150inhibitor at a lower concentration (50 nM).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule, thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in acell. In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting amicroRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA with an inhibitor, therebyenhancing utrophin protein production in a cell. In another embodiment,the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting amicroRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR with an inhibitor,thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell. In anotherembodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting amicroRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 5′ UTR with an inhibitor,thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell. In anotherembodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting amicroRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR with an antisensemolecule which inhibits the binding of the microRNA molecule to a 3′ UTRutrophin mRNA, thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell.In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting amicroRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 5′ UTR with an antisensemolecule which inhibits the binding of the microRNA molecule to a 5′ UTRutrophin mRNA, thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell.In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting a musclecell specific microRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR withan inhibitor, thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell.In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting a musclecell specific microRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 5′ UTR withan inhibitor, thereby enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell.In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting a musclecell specific microRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR withan antisense molecule which inhibits the binding of the microRNAmolecule to a 3′ UTR utrophin mRNA, thereby enhancing utrophin proteinproduction in a cell. In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of enhancing utrophinprotein production in a cell, comprising the step of contacting a musclecell specific microRNA molecule that binds an utrophin mRNA 5′ UTR withan antisense molecule which inhibits the binding of the microRNAmolecule to a 5′ UTR utrophin mRNA, thereby enhancing utrophin proteinproduction in a cell. In another embodiment, the cell is a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR comprises the nucleotidesequence:

(SEQ ID NO: 13)TGAGCATCTATCCAGCCAGCCAACATTTCCCGACCTTCAGTATTGCCCTCTTCTGCAAATGCCAATCCCAAGACCCATTCAACCCCAAAGCTCCGTGGCTCCACGACACAAGCTGTTGAGTGCTTACTGGGTGTTCTACTGAGGGAACCAAACACTGACTATCCAAAGAGAAAAGGATATTTTGGTTTTCTAATAACGTATATTATTGTTTTCTTCTCCCCTTTCTATGCAACTGTAAATTAATGAACAGAGAAGTATTTGGAGGTGGTAAAGCATTTGTCACTGATTTGTATAATATATACAGCCATGGGAAAGTGGGTGGGGGCTTTCTAATATGAAACTGTCTTTTTAATAACCAAGAGAAAAAATTGCATAAGAATTAGACCACTTTACATTATTACATTCCTTCTGCTGTTCACATTAACCTTGTACAATAACTTCACTTATTATTTGACTGTTTTACCATTATGTTTTGGTTATTTATAAATTTATCAGCCATACAAACAAATAGATTCTATGTATTTGTTTCTATAATCTGGCCAAATTCCTAAGTTCATATATTTGAATCAAATATTTTACATATGTGGAGTAGGCAGGCATTCTGAAGATACTATTTAACTTTAGTTGACGTCACACACACCATCCTTTAGTAACCACTGGATGACTACACTAAAAATCCTGTGGACTTTAACGGCAAGCTGCTGGGGTATTTTTCCTCCTGTTTTTATTCCTTTTTTGTAAGTAGATCTTGACGTCTTTATTTATTTCATCTTGCAATCTCTATAATAAAGAAGACTGTATTGTAATAGTCTCAAAAAATTATTTTACCAAGGGTTACCATTTAAGCATATTTTCATTTTGATTCAGAAACCAAAGTTGGTACAACCTCTCCTAGTACATGCAACCTTGGTTTTCATGAGAAAACACACGGCAGGCCTTTGCCCATTGTGAGGAGAGCACACATCATGCTCTTCAGTTTCCTTTGAATAGACTTTTATTGTTGTTTTTGTATTTTTCGAGTCCTGTGTAAGTTTTGAAAGCTCTGGTTGTTTCCTTTGTGAAAGCAGGCAGATACTTAGTTGGCTGTCTCATTTGAAGCTTTGGAGCAGATAGTCAGATGTCTCATGACCCCTCACTTGGCCAGCAGCACATCCGAGAAGGATGTCACTCACAAGCCTACACCACGGCTTCTCTAGAATGAAATCAGTGCTCGGATGATTGTATCCCTGCCTCTACTTCTGAGTGTGTTCAACTAGGTATTGGCTTCTTTTTCTTTTTCTTTTCTTTTTTTTTTAATTTAACACTTAATTGCCGATTTTAGAGAAACCAAAAATAAAGGTGAAGGTAATATGTTTTGATTCAAACATATATGCTTTTAAACATCAGACATGCTAACTTTGGTTCTCTTTACTGGAATCTGGCCCAGAGGAGGTGAAATTTAGAAATGTTATTCTTTAGATGGGTGGGTGGGTTGGGGGGCCAAGGGTGTCTATTTTCCAGCATTAGATATTTTTGAGACGAAGAAAATTGTTTTATATAAGGGGAGAGCCATGATCACCTTTCTACCTCAGAACCACCTTCCTCCATTGTGTTGGACATAGCTTTATATGCCGCAGTGTGCAAAACCTAGGGCTGTAGTCAGGCCTTTCCATACCCAGGAAGCACCTGTGTAAAGAAGATCAACAGAAACTCCCGGAACTCAGAACCCCAAGTTGTAGATTTGGTGTCGTCCTTGTTCTTGCTTTGAGGAGTCATGTATTCTTTTATTTCCTGCCTGTATTTGTATGCAAAATGATCTCTATCTGCTATTACAGAAAAAGCTACACAAAACACTACATTGTAACCTTCTGAGTAATAAATAAGAGGAAATATATTACAGTAACCATGATGAGAAATAAGTGTATTGTTCTTTTGAAATATGTGGTTAATCGCAGACTGTCATCTAATCTGTTACATACCGTATTTTTCATCCTGAATAAAAGTAATTTTAACACAAAATGACTTTGATGTTTGGCTGTGTTCAGCTGATGAAATCAGATCTCTGAATGTATGTGATGAAAGCTAACTATAAGATGATCTATATTCTGATAAATCTAAATATTTTCTGAAACTCTCTCTTATACATTAATCTAGTCTCCATTCACTCATTATCTCTCTCTCCTTTCTTGCATATAAATATGATTATATATTTTTCAATTTCCTGTACAAATCAGAGTCTTATTACTAGGGAAAATGGATGTTATAAGTACATTCCTAAAGCCCATTGGGCCTTCATTTTTATAACTTGGAGCTACTGAGATTTATCAGGTTACTCTCTCAAATCCACTTTCATCACTAGACTCATAGTTTTCTATGTATCTATATTATTATAACTAAATAAAAATATACATG.

In another embodiment, the utrophin mRNA 3′ UTR nucleic acid sequence isa homologue, a variant, or a functional fragment of SEQ ID NO: 13. Eachpossibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a microRNA of the invention inhibits utrophinprotein production by binding to an utrophin 3′ UTR binding sequence. Inanother embodiment, a microRNA of the invention inhibits utrophinprotein production by binding to a specific sequence within utrophin 3′UTR mRNA.

In another embodiment, miR-296-5p binding sequence in utrophin 3′ UTRis: ATGGGAAAGTGGGTGGGGGCTTT (SEQ ID NO: 14). In another embodiment,miR-296-5p binding sequence in utrophin 3′UTR is: GGGTGGGTGGGTTGGGGGGCC(SEQ ID NO: 23). In another embodiment, miR-206 binding sequence inutrophin 3′UTR is: CCACTTTACATTATTACATTCC (SEQ ID NO: 15). In anotherembodiment, miR-150 binding sequence in utrophin 3′UTR is:ATGGGTGGGTGGGTTGGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 16). In another embodiment, miR-133bbinding sequence in utrophin 3′UTR is: GTGGGTTGGGGGGCCAA (SEQ ID NO:17). In another embodiment, let-7c binding sequence in utrophin 3′UTRis: AGCCATGATCACCTTTCTACCTCA (SEQ ID NO: 18). In another embodiment,miR-196b binding sequence in utrophin 3′UTR is: CCATACCCAGGAAGCACCT (SEQID NO: 19).

In another embodiment, the cell is a skeletal muscle cell. In anotherembodiment, the cell is a smooth muscle cell. In another embodiment, thecell is a satellite muscle cell. In another embodiment, the cell is acardiac muscle cell.

In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule is a muscle cell specificmicroRNA molecule. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule binds toutrophin. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule binds tospecifically to utrophin. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule iscomplementary to an utrophin RNA sequence. In another embodiment, amicroRNA molecule is complementary to a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) ofan utrophin RNA sequence. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule iscomplementary to a 3′ UTR of an utrophin RNA sequence. In anotherembodiment, a microRNA molecule decreases the levels of utrophinprotein. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule decreases the levelsof utrophin protein without decreasing the utrophin mRNA. In anotherembodiment, a microRNA molecule targets utrophin-A IRES. In anotherembodiment, a microRNA molecule targets utrophin-A IRES in a musclecell. In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule represses utrophin-AIRES activity (FIGS. 3 and 7-9).

In another embodiment, a microRNA molecule is a muscle cell specificmicroRNA molecule. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule ismiR-206. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule is miR-1. Inanother embodiment, the microRNA molecule is miR-133. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule is let-7c. In another embodiment, themicroRNA molecule is miR-196b. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule is miR-133b. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule ismiR-150. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule is miR-296-5p.

In another embodiment, the sequence of Let-7c microRNA (mouse and human)is: 5′-UGAGGUAGUAGGUUGUAUGGUU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 1). In another embodiment,the sequence of Let-7c microRNA inhibitor or anti-Let-7c is:5′-AACCAUACAACCUACUACCUCA-3′(SEQ ID NO: 2).

In another embodiment, the sequence of miR-133b microRNA (mouse andhuman) is: 5′-UUUGGUCCCCUUCAACCAGCUA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 3). In anotherembodiment, the sequence of miR-133b microRNA inhibitor or anti-miR-133bis: 5′-UAGCUGGUUGAAGGGGACCAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 4).

In another embodiment, the sequence of miR-150 microRNA (mouse andhuman) is: 5′-UCUCCCAACCCUUGUACCAGUG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 5). In anotherembodiment, the sequence of miR-150 microRNA inhibitor or anti-miR-150is: 5′-CACUGGUACAAGGGUUGGGAGA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6).

In another embodiment, the sequence of miR-196b microRNA (mouse andhuman) is: 5′-UAGGUAGUUUCCUGUUGUUGGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 7). In anotherembodiment, the sequence of miR-196b microRNA inhibitor or anti-miR-196bis: 5′-CCAACAACAGGAAACUACCUA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 8).

In another embodiment, the sequence of miR-206 microRNA (mouse andhuman) is: 5′-UGGAAUGUAAGGAAGUGUGUGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 9). In anotherembodiment, the sequence of miR-206 microRNA inhibitor or anti-miR-206is: 5′-CCACACACUUCCUUACAUUCCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 10).

In another embodiment, the sequence of miR-296-5p microRNA (mouse andhuman) is: 5′-AGGGCCCCCCCUCAAUCCUGU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 11). In anotherembodiment, the sequence of miR-296-5p microRNA inhibitor oranti-miR-296-5p is: 5′-ACAGGAUUGAGGGGGGGCCCU-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 12).

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206 comprises thesequence of miRBase (http://microrna.sanger.ac.uk/sequences/) accessionnumber MI0000249. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0000490. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0000948. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-206 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0001207. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0002045. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0002046. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-206 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0002619. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0002620. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0004863. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-206 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0005317. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007667. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-206 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0008002.

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0000064. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accessionnumber MI0000559. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7ccomprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0000560. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0000830. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0000831. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprisesthe sequence of miRBase accession number MI0001174. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0001866. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0001867. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprisesthe sequence of miRBase accession number MI0002445. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0004886. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0005124. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprisesthe sequence of miRBase accession number MI0005454. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0007138. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0007152. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprisesthe sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007183. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0007184. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule let-7c comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0007574. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule let-7c comprisesthe sequence of miRBase accession number MI0008076.

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0001150. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0001151. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0001152.In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0002036. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0003365. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0003366.In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0004943. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0005313. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-196b comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007660.In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-196b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0008016.

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-133b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0000821. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-133b comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0000822. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-133b comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0001206.In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-133b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0001994. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-133b comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0003490. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-133b comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0004837.In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-133b comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0007622.

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises thesequence of miRBase accession number MI0000172. In another embodiment,the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBaseaccession number MI0000479. In another embodiment, the microRNA moleculemiR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0000920. Inanother embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequenceof miRBase accession number MI0002016. In another embodiment, themicroRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBase accessionnumber MI0004846. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0005058. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0007122. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0007123. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007124. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0007125. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0007126. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007127. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150 comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0007128. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-150 comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0007641. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-150comprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007998.

In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule is miR-296-5p. In anotherembodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-296-5p comprises the sequence ofmiRBase accession number MI0000394. In another embodiment, the microRNAmolecule miR-296-5p comprises the sequence of miRBase accession numberMI0000747. In another embodiment, the microRNA molecule miR-296-5pcomprises the sequence of miRBase accession number MI0007681.

In another embodiment, Utrophin upregulation is a potential therapeuticstrategy for DMD. In another embodiment, Utrophin-A expression isrepressed through the 5′ and 3′ UTRs by >98% at the translational level(FIG. 1). In another embodiment, Utrophin 3′ UTR contains microRNAtarget sites. In another embodiment, Utrophin 5′ UTR contains microRNAtarget sites. In another embodiment, Utrophin 3′UTR exhibits itsinhibitory effect both on the IRES and on cap-dependent translation. Inanother embodiment, inhibition of microRNAs that target Utrophin UTRs isa potential therapeutic strategy for DMD.

In another embodiment, the method comprises inhibiting a microRNAmolecule. In another embodiment, the method comprises inhibiting amicroRNA molecule of the invention. In another embodiment, inhibiting amicroRNA molecule comprises contacting a microRNA molecule with acomplementary antisense oligonucleotide sequence. In another embodiment,inhibiting an utrophin microRNA molecule comprises contacting anutrophin microRNA molecule with an utrophin microRNA antisense molecule.In another embodiment, inhibiting an utrophin microRNA moleculecomprises contacting an utrophin microRNA molecule with an antisensemolecule that specifically binds to or hybridizes with the utrophinmicroRNA. An oligonucleotide analog “specifically hybridizes” to atarget polynucleotide if the oligomer hybridizes to the target underphysiological conditions, with a Tm substantially greater than 45° C.,preferably at least 50° C., and typically 60° C.-80° C. or higher. Suchhybridization preferably corresponds to stringent hybridizationconditions. At a given ionic strength and pH, the Tm is the temperatureat which 50% of a target sequence hybridizes to a complementarypolynucleotide. Again, such hybridization may occur with “near” or“substantial” complementary of the antisense oligomer to the targetsequence, as well as with exact complementarity.

In another embodiment, inhibiting let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150,miR-296-5p, miR-206 or any combination thereof leads to utrophinupregulation. In another embodiment, inhibitor of let-7c, miR-196b,miR-133b, miR-150, miR-296-5p, miR-296 or any combination thereof isused as a Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapeutic agent.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive nucleotides which are complementary to an utrophinmicroRNA molecule or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, anantisense specific molecule comprises at least 3 consecutive nucleotideswhich are complementary to a muscle cell utrophin microRNA molecule or afragment thereof. In another embodiment, an antisense specific moleculecomprises at least 3 consecutive nucleotides which are complementary toan utrophin microRNA molecule or a fragment thereof as described herein.In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive nucleotides which are complementary to any microRNAmolecule represented by a miRBase accession number as describedhereinabove or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, an antisensespecific molecule comprises at least 4 consecutive nucleotides which arecomplementary to any microRNA molecule represented by a miRBaseaccession number as described hereinabove or a fragment thereof. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive nucleotides which are complementary to any microRNA moleculerepresented by a miRBase accession number as described hereinabove or afragment thereof. In another embodiment, an antisense specific moleculecomprises at least 7 consecutive nucleotides which are complementary toany microRNA molecule represented by a miRBase accession number asdescribed hereinabove or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, anantisense specific molecule comprises at least 9 consecutive nucleotideswhich are complementary to any microRNA molecule represented by amiRBase accession number as described hereinabove or a fragment thereof.In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least11 consecutive nucleotides which are complementary to any microRNAmolecule represented by a miRBase accession number as describedhereinabove or a fragment thereof.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive nucleotides derived from the 5′ UTR or the 3′ UTR ofutrophin RNA molecule. In another embodiment, an antisense specificmolecule comprises at least 4 consecutive nucleotides derived from the5′ UTR or the 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA molecule. In another embodiment, anantisense specific molecule comprises at least 5 consecutive nucleotidesderived from the 5′ UTR or the 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA molecule. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 6consecutive nucleotides derived from the 5′UTR or the 3′ UTR of utrophinRNA molecule. In another embodiment, an antisense specific moleculecomprises at least 8 consecutive nucleotides derived from the 5′ UTR orthe 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA molecule. In another embodiment, an antisensespecific molecule comprises at least 10 consecutive nucleotides derivedfrom the 5′ UTR or the 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA molecule. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 12consecutive nucleotides derived from the 5′ UTR or the 3′UTR of utrophinRNA molecule. In another embodiment, an antisense specific moleculecomprises at least 14 consecutive nucleotides derived from the 5′ UTR orthe 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA molecule. In another embodiment, an antisensespecific molecule comprises a complementary sequence to any microRNAmolecule represented by a miRBase accession number as describedhereinabove or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, an antisensespecific molecule comprises a homologous complementary sequence to anymicroRNA molecule represented by a miRBase accession number as describedhereinabove or a fragment thereof.

In another embodiment, a homologous complementary sequence is at least60% homologous. In another embodiment, a homologous complementarysequence is at least 70% homologous. In another embodiment, a homologouscomplementary sequence is at least 80% homologous. In anotherembodiment, a homologous complementary sequence is at least 90%homologous. In another embodiment, a homologous complementary sequenceis at least 95% homologous. In another embodiment, a homologouscomplementary sequence is at least 98% homologous. In anotherembodiment, a homologous complementary sequence is at least 99%homologous.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to let-7c.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-196b.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-133b.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-150.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p. Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-296-5p.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least3 consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 5consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 7consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 9consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 11consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206. In anotherembodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises at least 13consecutive antisense nucleotides complementary to miR-206.

In another embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises a let-7cantisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2). Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises a miR-133bantisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4). Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises a miR-150antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6). Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises a miR-196bantisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8). Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises a miR-206antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10). Inanother embodiment, an antisense specific molecule comprises amiR-296-5p antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12).

In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is siRNA. In anotherembodiment, siRNA is expressed by an appropriate vector. In anotherembodiment, siRNA is expressed by a plasmid. In another embodiment,siRNA transcription cassettes comprises an RNA polymerase III promoter(e.g. U6 or H1), which usually direct the transcription of small nuclearRNAs (snRNAs) (U6 is involved in gene splicing; H1 is the RNasecomponent of human RNase P).

In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is a triple-helix-formingagent. In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is a ribozyme. Inanother embodiment, an antisense molecule is RNAi. In anotherembodiment, an antisense molecule is an antisense nucleic acid. Inanother embodiment, an antisense molecule is a triple helix formingagent which is circularized around a double-strand DNA to form a triplehelix, thereby inhibiting transcription initiation.

In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is a synthetic peptidenucleic acids (PNAs). In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is anagRNA. In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is a LNA/DNAcopolymer. In another embodiment, an antisense molecule is a smallmolecule chemical compound. In another embodiment, an antisense moleculeas described herein is specific against a nucleotide sequence encodingan utrophin microRNA molecule.

In another embodiment, a ribozyme of the invention recognizes a specificnucleotide sequence in a microRNA molecule of the invention or afragment thereof.

In another embodiment, the small molecule RNA used in the RNAi method isa double-strand RNA molecule homologous to the target microRNA. Inanother embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid is referred to as a DNAor RNA molecule at least partially complementary to the target microRNAmolecule.

In another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid is produced in theform of an oligonucleotide by a suitable method known to one skilled inthe art. In another embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotide isproduced by a chemical process, for example by the chemicalphosphoamidite method comprising sulfuration with tetraethylthiuramdisulfide in acetonitrile (Tetrahedron Lett., 1991, 32, 30005-30008). Inanother embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid is anoligoribonucleotides molecule. In another embodiment, the antisensenucleic acid is a 2′-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides molecule.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method for treating amuscular dystrophy, in a subject, the method comprising the step ofadministering to said subject a composition for inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule, thereby treating said muscular dystrophy in saidsubject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method for reducing thesymptoms associated with a muscular dystrophy, in a subject, comprisingthe step of administering to said subject a composition for inhibitingutrophin microRNA molecule, thereby reducing the symptoms associatedwith said muscular dystrophy in said subject.

Muscular dystrophy may refer to any type of muscular dystrophy. In oneembodiment, the muscular dystrophy is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).In another embodiment, the muscular dystrophy is Becker MuscularDystrophy (BMD).

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method for treating a muscledisease in a subject, comprising the step of administering to saidsubject a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, therebytreating said disease in said subject.

The term “treatment” or “treating,” as used herein, refers to anytreatment of a disease in a mammal and includes: (1) preventing thedisease from occurring in a mammal which may be predisposed to thedisease but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease;e.g. prevention of the outbreak of the clinical symptoms; (2) inhibitingthe disease, e.g., arresting its development; or (3) relieving thedisease, e.g., causing regression of the symptoms of the disease.

Effective dosage for the treatment of a disease means that amount which,when administered to a mammal in need thereof, is sufficient to effecttreatment, as defined above, for that disease. The method of treatmentdescribed herein can be used to treat any suitable mammal, preferablythe mammal is a human.

The term “subject,” as used herein, includes any human or non-humananimal. The term “non-human animal” includes all vertebrates, e.g.,mammals and non-mammals, such as non-human primates, sheep, dog, cow,chickens, amphibians, reptiles, etc.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating Duchenemuscular dystrophy (DMD) in a subject, comprising the step ofadministering to said subject a composition for inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule, thereby treating Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) ina subject. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method ofreducing the symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)in a subject, comprising the step of administering to said subject acomposition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, thereby reducingthe symptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in asubject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of treating Beckermuscular dystrophy (BMD) in a subject, comprising the step ofadministering to said subject a composition for inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule, thereby treating Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) in asubject. In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of reducingthe symptoms associated with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) in asubject, comprising the step of administering to said subject acomposition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, thereby reducingthe symptoms associated with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) in asubject.

In another embodiment, provided herein is a composition comprising aneffective amount of an agent that inhibits utrophin microRNA molecule.In an exemplary embodiment, the agent comprises a let-7c antisensemolecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2), a miR-133bantisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4), amiR-150 antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6),a miR-196b antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8), a miR-206 antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forth in SEQ IDNO: 10), or a miR-296-5p antisense molecule (e.g., a sequence set forthin SEQ ID NO: 12).

In another embodiment, a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule also induces utrophin protein production. In anotherembodiment, an utrophin microRNA molecule is a microRNA molecule whichbinds the 5′ or 3′ UTR of utrophin RNA and inhibits utrophin proteinproduction.

In another embodiment, administering a composition for inhibitingutrophin microRNA molecule comprises contacting an utrophin microRNAmolecule with an utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule. Inanother embodiment, a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule comprises an utrophin microRNA antisense molecule. In anotherembodiment, a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA moleculecomprises an utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule. In anotherembodiment, a composition for inhibiting a muscle cell specific microRNAmolecule comprises an utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule.

In another embodiment, a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule is administered to a muscle cell in a subject. In anotherembodiment, a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule isadministered to a subject and is targeted to a muscle cell.

In another embodiment, the method of the present invention reducessymptoms associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) or Beckermuscular dystrophy (BMD). In another embodiment, the method of thepresent invention improves walking of a DMD or BMD patient. In anotherembodiment, the method of the present invention reduces or inhibitscalves swelling with fibrous tissue. In another embodiment, the methodsof the present invention induce muscle growth. In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention induce muscle regeneration. Inanother embodiment, the method of the present invention reduces orinhibits contractures. In another embodiment, the method of the presentinvention reduces or inhibits scoliosis. In another embodiment, themethod of the present invention reduces or inhibits diaphragm weakening.In another embodiment, the method of the present invention reduces orinhibits a cardiac disease caused by or associated with lack ofdystrophin.

The inhibitors of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositionscomprising same can be, in another embodiment, administered to a subjectby any method known to a person skilled in the art, such asparenterally, paracancerally, transmucosally, transdermally,intramuscularly, intravenously, intra-dermally, subcutaneously,intra-peritonealy, intra-ventricularly, intra-cranially, intra-vaginallyor intra-tumorally.

In another embodiment of methods and compositions of the presentinvention, the pharmaceutical compositions are administered orally, andare thus formulated in a form suitable for oral administration, i.e. asa solid or a liquid preparation. Suitable solid oral formulationsinclude tablets, capsules, pills, granules, pellets and the like.Suitable liquid oral formulations include solutions, suspensions,dispersions, emulsions, oils and the like. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, the active ingredient is formulated in a capsule. Inaccordance with this embodiment, the compositions of the presentinvention comprise, in addition to the active compound (e.g. the mimeticcompound, peptide or nucleotide molecule) and the inert carrier ordiluent, a hard gelating capsule.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredby intravenous, intra-arterial, or intra-muscular injection of a liquidpreparation. Suitable liquid formulations include solutions,suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oils and the like. In anotherembodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredintravenously and are thus formulated in a form suitable for intravenousadministration. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositionsare administered intra-arterially and are thus formulated in a formsuitable for intra-arterial administration. In another embodiment, thepharmaceutical compositions are administered intra-muscularly and arethus formulated in a form suitable for intra-muscular administration.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are administeredtopically to body surfaces and are thus formulated in a form suitablefor topical administration. Topical formulations include, in anotherembodiment, gels, ointments, creams, lotions, drops and the like.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered asa suppository, for example a rectal suppository or a urethralsuppository. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition isadministered by subcutaneous implantation of a pellet. In anotherembodiment, the pellet provides for controlled release of active agentover a period of time.

In another embodiment, the active compound is delivered in a vesicle,e.g. a liposome.

In other embodiments, carriers or diluents used in the composition ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to, a gum, a starch(e.g. corn starch, pregeletanized starch), a sugar (e.g., lactose,mannitol, sucrose, dextrose), a cellulosic material (e.g.microcrystalline cellulose), an acrylate (e.g. polymethylacrylate),calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, talc, or mixtures thereof.

In other embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for liquidformulations are aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions,emulsions or oils. Examples of non-aqueous solvents are propyleneglycol, polyethylene glycol, and injectable organic esters such as ethyloleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueous solutions,emulsions or suspensions, including saline and buffered media. Examplesof oils are those of animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, forexample, peanut oil, soybean oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, fish-liveroil, another marine oil, or a lipid from milk or eggs.

In another embodiment, parenteral vehicles (for subcutaneous,intravenous, intra-arterial, or intramuscular injection) include sodiumchloride solution, Ringer's dextrose, dextrose and sodium chloride,lactated Ringer's and fixed oils. Intravenous vehicles include fluid andnutrient replenishers, electrolyte replenishers such as those based onRinger's dextrose, and the like. Examples are sterile liquids such aswater and oils, with or without the addition of a surfactant and otherpharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. In general, water, saline,aqueous dextrose and related sugar solutions, and glycols such aspropylene glycols or polyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers,particularly for injectable solutions. Examples of oils are those ofanimal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanut oil, soybeanoil, olive oil, sunflower oil, fish-liver oil, another marine oil, or alipid from milk or eggs.

In other embodiments, the compositions further comprise binders (e.g.acacia, cornstarch, gelatin, carbomer, ethyl cellulose, guar gum,hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, povidone),disintegrating agents (e.g. cornstarch, potato starch, alginic acid,silicon dioxide, croscarmelose sodium, crospovidone, guar gum, sodiumstarch glycolate), buffers (e.g., Tris-HCI, acetate, phosphate) ofvarious pH and ionic strength, additives such as albumin or gelatin toprevent absorption to surfaces, detergents (e.g., Tween 20, Tween 80,Pluronic F68, bile acid salts), protease inhibitors, surfactants (e.g.sodium lauryl sulfate), permeation enhancers, solubilizing agents (e.g.,glycerol, polyethylene glycerol), anti-oxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid,sodium metabisulfite, butylated hydroxyanisole), stabilizers (e.g.hydroxypropyl cellulose, hyroxypropylmethyl cellulose), viscosityincreasing agents (e.g. carbomer, colloidal silicon dioxide, ethylcellulose, guar gum), sweeteners (e.g. aspartame, citric acid),preservatives (e.g., Thimerosal, benzyl alcohol, parabens), lubricants(e.g. stearic acid, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sodiumlauryl sulfate), flow-aids (e.g. colloidal silicon dioxide),plasticizers (e.g. diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate), emulsifiers(e.g. carbomer, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate), polymercoatings (e.g., poloxamers or poloxamines), coating and film formingagents (e.g. ethyl cellulose, acrylates, polymethacrylates) and/oradjuvants. Each of the above excipients represents a separate embodimentof the present invention.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereinare controlled-release compositions, i.e. compositions in which theactive compound is released over a period of time after administration.Controlled- or sustained-release compositions include formulation inlipophilic depots (e.g. fatty acids, waxes, oils). In anotherembodiment, the composition is an immediate-release composition, i.e. acomposition in which of the active compound is released immediatelyafter administration.

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered in acontrolled release system. For example, the agent may be administeredusing intravenous infusion, an implantable osmotic pump, a transdermalpatch, liposomes, or other modes of administration. In one embodiment, apump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng.14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al., Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek et al., N.Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989). In another embodiment, polymeric materialsare used; e.g. in microspheres in or an implant. In yet anotherembodiment, a controlled release system is placed in proximity to thetarget cell, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose (see,e.g., Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release, supra,vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984); and Langer R, Science 249: 1527-1533 (1990).

The compositions also include, in another embodiment, incorporation ofthe active material into or onto particulate preparations of polymericcompounds such as polylactic acid, polglycolic acid, hydrogels, etc, oronto liposomes, microemulsions, micelles, unilamellar or multilamellarvesicles, erythrocyte ghosts, or spheroplasts.) Such compositions willinfluence the physical state, solubility, stability, rate of in vivorelease, and rate of in vivo clearance.

Also included in the present invention are particulate compositionscoated with polymers (e.g. poloxamers or poloxamines) and the compoundcoupled to antibodies directed against tissue-specific receptors,ligands or antigens or coupled to ligands of tissue-specific receptors.

Also comprehended by the invention are compounds modified by thecovalent attachment of water-soluble polymers such as polyethyleneglycol, copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol,carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyproline. The modified compounds are known toexhibit substantially longer half-lives in blood following intravenousinjection than do the corresponding unmodified compounds (Abuchowski etal., 1981; Newmark et al., 1982; and Katre et al., 1987). Suchmodifications may also increase the compound's solubility in aqueoussolution, eliminate aggregation, enhance the physical and chemicalstability of the compound, and greatly reduce the immunogenicity andreactivity of the compound. As a result, the desired in vivo biologicalactivity may be achieved by the administration of such polymer-compoundabducts less frequently or in lower doses than with the unmodifiedcompound.

Each of the above additives, excipients, formulations and methods ofadministration represents a separate embodiment of the presentinvention.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering an active compound as the sole active ingredient. However,also encompassed within the scope of the present invention are methodsfor treating diseases and disorders that comprise administering theactive compound in combination with one or more therapeutic agents.These agents include, but are not limited to, insulin agents,immunosuppressive agents, or drugs treating MS. In another embodiment,these agents are appropriate for the disease or disorder that is beingtreated, as is well known in the art.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering an active compound as the sole active ingredient. However,also encompassed within the scope of the present invention are methodsfor treating diseases and disorders that comprise administering theactive compound in combination with one or more therapeutic agents.These agents include, but are not limited to, insulin agents,immunosuppressive agents, or drugs treating MS. In another embodiment,these agents are appropriate for the disease or disorder that is beingtreated, as is well known in the art.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Utrophin-A is Translated Inefficiently

Ribosomal profiling of utrophin-A mRNA in C2C12 muscle cell line by asucrose gradient provided that utrophin-A is translated inefficiently(FIG. 1). This observation led to an experiment wherein the 5′ and 3′UTRs were dissected in order to confirm that utrophin-A non-codingregions are responsible for the translation repression observed. Anexperiment wherein the 5′ or the 3′ UTR was cloned into a reporter geneconstruct (luciferase) showed that these non-coding regions are indeedresponsible for this inefficient utrophin-A translation (FIGS. 2 and10).

Example 2 MicroRNA Candidates

MicroRNA candidates were predicted to target utrophin RNA using themiRanda v1.0.b algorithm. The expression of the predicted microRNAs wasconfirmed in C2C12 cells or TA by Taqman microRNA assay (FIG. 5).

Example 3 Utrophin-A Repression by MicroRNA

C2C12 cells were transfected with a plasmid comprising a constructcontaining the 5′ UTR of the utrophin-A mRNA, a luciferase reportinggene, and the 3′ UTR of the utrophin mRNA as described in Example 1. Thetransfected cells were treated with pre-Let-7c, pre-miR-133b,pre-miR-150, pre-miR-196b, pre-miR-206, pre-miR-296-5p, or a scrambledcontrol sequence. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12 the scrambled controlsequence did not affect luciferase translation, still all 6 microRNAconstructs repressed luciferase translation. Thus, Let-7c, miR-133b,miR-150, miR-196b, miR-206, and miR-296-5p are able to repress thetranslation of a gene comprising the 5′ UTR of the utrophin-A mRNA andthe 3′ UTR of the utrophin mRNA. This experiment demonstrated thatLet-7c, miR-133b, miR-150, miR-196b, miR-206, and miR-296-5p areresponsible for the repression of utrophin-A mRNA translation. Thus,both 5′ and 3′ UTRs play an important role in utrophin-A translationalrepression and the 3′ UTR preferentially represses IRES-mediatedtranslation. Moreover, this experiment demonstrates that the 5′ UTR ofthe utrophin-A mRNA and the 3′ UTR of the utrophin mRNA are required forthe microRNA induced repression.

Example 4 Utrophin is Upregulated by MicroRNA Repression

C2C12 cells were transfected with a plasmid comprising a constructcontaining the 5′ UTR of the utrophin-A mRNA, a luciferase reportinggene, and the 3′ UTR of the utrophin mRNA as described in Examples 1 and3. The transfected cells were treated with antisense sequences:anti-Let-7c, anti-miR-133b, anti-miR-150, anti-miR-196b, anti-miR-206,anti-miR-296-5p, or a scrambled control sequence. The results shown inFIGS. 6 and 12 demonstrate that the scrambled control sequence did notaffect luciferase translation; still anti-Let-7c, anti-miR-196b,anti-miR-206, induced luciferase translation. Thus, neutralizing Let-7c,miR-196b, or miR-206 induce the translation of a gene comprising the 5′UTR of the utrophin-A mRNA and the 3′ UTR of the utrophin mRNA. Thisexperiment demonstrates that utrophin-A can be induced (upregulated) byat least 2 folds by neutralizing Let-7c, miR-196b, or miR-206 that actas repressors on the UTR segments of the utrophin mRNA. This experimentalso provides that this upregulating sequence specific as specificmicroRNAs did not upregulate utrophin expression including miR-150,miR-133b and miR-296-5p.

The sequence of the negative control inhibitor is: AAGUGGAUAUUGUUGCCAUCA(SEQ ID NO: 20) and the sequences of the scrambled pre-miRNA are: sense:AGUACUGCUUACGAUACGGtt (SEQ ID NO: 21), and antisense:CCGUAUCGUAAGCAGUACUtt (SEQ ID NO: 22).

Utrophin has two isoforms, A and B. They have different 5′ UTRs but the3′ UTRs are the same. Therefore, any mechanism targeting the 3′ UTRwould be effective for upregulation of either isoform. Utrophin-A andutrophin-B are very similar and either should be effective as a therapy.Accordingly, the results demonstrate the upregulation of both Utrophin-Aand utrophin-B isoforms.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for enhancing utrophin protein production in a cell,comprising the step of inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule, therebyenhancing utrophin protein production in a cell.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein said cell is a muscle cell.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid microRNA molecule is a muscle cell specific microRNA molecule. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein said muscle cell specific microRNAmolecule is miR-133b or miR-206.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidmicroRNA molecule is let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150, or miR-296-5p.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said inhibiting comprises contactingsaid utrophin microRNA molecule with an utrophin microRNA antisensespecific molecule.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said utrophinmicroRNA antisense specific molecule is let-7c antisense specificmolecule, miR-196b antisense specific molecule, miR-133b antisensespecific molecule, miR-150 antisense specific molecule, miR-206antisense specific molecule, miR-296-5p antisense specific molecule, orany combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said let-7cantisense specific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ IDNO:
 2. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein said miR-196b antisensespecific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 8. 10.The method of claim 7, wherein said miR-206 antisense specific moleculeis an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 10. 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said inhibiting comprises contacting said utrophinmicroRNA molecule with a siRNA, a polyamide, a triple-helix-formingagent, an antisense RNA, a synthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), anagRNA, a LNA/DNA copolymer, a small molecule chemical compound, or acombination thereof, specific against a nucleotide sequence encodingsaid utrophin microRNA molecule.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein saidinhibiting comprises contacting said utrophin microRNA molecule with asiRNA, a polyamide, a triple-helix-forming agent, an antisense RNA, asynthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), an agRNA, a LNA/DNA copolymer, asmall molecule chemical compound, or a combination thereof, specificagainst a nucleotide sequence encoding let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b,miR-150, miR-206 or miR-296-5p, or their combination.
 13. The method ofclaim 6, wherein said utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule is a2′-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides molecule.
 14. A method for treating amuscular dystrophy, in a subject, comprising the step of administeringto said subject a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule,thereby treating said muscular dystrophy in said subject.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein said composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule also induces utrophin protein production.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said administering a composition for inhibitingutrophin microRNA molecule comprises contacting said utrophin microRNAmolecule with an utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said administering to said subject comprisesadministering to a muscle cell in said subject.
 18. The method of claim14, wherein said microRNA molecule is a muscle cell specific microRNAmolecule.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said muscle cell specificmicroRNA molecule is miR-133b.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein saidmicroRNA molecule is let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150, miR-206 ormiR-296-5p.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein said utrophin microRNAantisense specific molecule is let-7c antisense specific molecule,miR-196b antisense specific molecule, miR-133b antisense specificmolecule, miR-150, miR-206, miR-296-5p antisense specific molecule, orany combination thereof.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said let-7cantisense specific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ IDNO:
 2. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein said miR-196b antisensespecific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 8. 24.The method of claim 21, wherein said miR-206 antisense specific moleculeis an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 10. 25. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule comprises a siRNA, a polyamide, a triple-helix-forming agent,an antisense RNA, a synthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), an agRNA, aLNA/DNA copolymer, a small molecule chemical compound, or a combinationthereof, specific against a nucleotide sequence encoding said utrophinmicroRNA molecule.
 26. The method of claim 14, wherein said compositionfor inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule comprises a siRNA, apolyamide, a triple-helix-forming agent, an antisense RNA, a syntheticpeptide nucleic acids (PNAs), an agRNA, a LNA/DNA copolymer, a smallmolecule chemical compound, or a combination thereof, specific against anucleotide sequence encoding let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150,miR-206 or miR-296-5p, or their combination.
 27. The method of claim 16,wherein said utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule is a2′-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides molecule.
 28. A method for reducing thesymptoms associated with a muscular dystrophy, in a subject, comprisingthe step of administering to said subject a composition for inhibitingutrophin microRNA molecule, thereby reducing the symptoms associatedwith said muscular dystrophy in said subject.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein said composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA moleculealso induces utrophin protein production.
 30. The method of claim 28,wherein said administering a composition for inhibiting utrophinmicroRNA molecule comprises contacting said utrophin microRNA moleculewith an utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule.
 31. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said administering to said subject comprisesadministering to a muscle cell in said subject.
 32. The method of claim28, wherein said microRNA molecule is a muscle cell specific microRNAmolecule.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said muscle cell specificmicroRNA molecule is miR-133b.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein saidmicroRNA molecule is let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150, miR-206 ormiR-296-5p.
 35. The method of claim 24, wherein said utrophin microRNAantisense specific molecule is let-7c antisense specific molecule,miR-196b antisense specific molecule, miR-133b antisense specificmolecule, miR-150 antisense specific molecule, miR-206 antisensespecific molecule, miR-296-5p antisense specific molecule, or anycombination thereof.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said let-7cantisense specific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ IDNO:
 2. 37. The method of claim 35, wherein said miR-196b antisensespecific molecule is an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 8. 38.The method of claim 35, wherein said miR-206 antisense specific moleculeis an antisense molecule encoded by SEQ ID NO:
 10. 39. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNAmolecule comprises a siRNA, a polyamide, a triple-helix-forming agent,an antisense RNA, a synthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), an agRNA, aLNA/DNA copolymer, a small molecule chemical compound, or a combinationthereof, specific against a nucleotide sequence encoding said utrophinmicroRNA molecule.
 40. The method of claim 28, wherein said compositionfor inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule comprises a siRNA, apolyamide, a triple-helix-forming agent, an antisense RNA, a syntheticpeptide nucleic acids (PNAs), an agRNA, a LNA/DNA copolymer, a smallmolecule chemical compound, or a combination thereof, specific against anucleotide sequence encoding let-7c, miR-196b, miR-133b, miR-150,miR-206 or miR-296-5p, or their combination.
 41. The method of claim 30,wherein said utrophin microRNA antisense specific molecule is a2′-O-methyl oligoribonucleotides molecule.
 42. A method for treating amuscle disease in a subject, comprising the step of administering tosaid subject a composition for inhibiting utrophin microRNA molecule,thereby treating said disease in said subject.
 43. The method of claim42, wherein said disease is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
 44. Themethod of claim 42, wherein said disease is Becker Muscular Dystrophy(BMD).
 45. A composition comprising an effective amount of an agent thatinhibits utrophin microRNA molecule.
 46. The composition of claim 45,wherein said agent comprises a let-7c antisense molecule, a miR-196bantisense molecule, a miR-133b antisense molecule, a miR-150 antisensemolecule, a miR-206 antisense molecule, or a miR-296-5p antisensemolecule.
 47. The composition of claim 46, wherein said let-7c antisensemolecule comprises a nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.48. The composition of claim 46, wherein said miR-196b antisensemolecule comprises a nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.49. The composition of claim 46, wherein said miR-206 antisense moleculecomprises a nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.